Recognition for a Selfless Volunteer: Rita Mines

Rita Mines has been a 4C Coalition volunteer for a little more than a year. Through her calming demeanor and determined streak, Rita has taught a troubled teenage girl a powerful lesson in friendship and trust.
As a mentor, Rita knew that forging a relationship wouldn’t be easy, but she had no idea how hard it would be simply to spend time with the teen, who is raised by a single parent recovering from substance abuse.
For the better part of a year, Rita called and made appointments to meet the girl, but appointments were repeatedly broken. When they did get together, the shy teenager would say very little. Rita would fill the time talking about herself and things she had gone through as a teenager ‘back in the day.’
Time passed and more appointments were missed, but Rita let the girl know that she was still there for her.
Last year, the teen’s mom was unable to pay the electric bill. The utility company threatened to shut off the power. The girl said: “Call my mentor.”
Rita suggested they ask for help from churches that might have emergency funds for people in need. She helped to draw up a list and went with the girl’s mom to several sites. When the deadline to bring in a payment drew near and they had been unable to raise the money, Rita made a selfless gesture. She withdrew some savings and paid the $250 bill. Rita also helped arrange a payment plan with the utility.
Rita has been an example of sharing one’s faith and the message of Christ through her actions.
Rita was recognized in January for her dedication and generous spirit as a mentor. The 4C Mentor Coalition nominated Rita as an Outstanding Mentor of the Year. The 4C Coalition is a collaboration of pastors and community members who are committed to their communities, their congregations and to youth. All mentors in the state of Washington were recognized in January during national mentoring month. A series of events were held to mark the occasion and promote mentoring as a positive way to help the community.
The 4C Coalition is looking for more volunteers, particularly men, to assist other teens in need of a mature friend to guide them. There will be a mentor training on February 25, 2006 from 9:00-3:00 .To get involved, please call Hazel Cameron, Mentor Program Coordinator at (206) 772-3434.
Why be a mentor? An independent report on youth mentoring programs said youth involved in mentoring can have better school attendance, increased chances of enrolling in higher education, more positive attitudes towards schools. It also can help prevent substance abuse and lower rates of delinquency and violent behaviors.